Guanajuato, Guanajuato.— A wave of protests erupted at the Preparatoria Oficial de Silao, part of the Universidad de Guanajuato, as over 50 students rallied against alarming accusations of sexual harassment targeting faculty members. This student-led demonstration on February 6, 2023, focused on demanding effective action against educators who allegedly solicited compromising photographs from students to pass their courses.
The students took to the streets, displaying powerful banners emblazoned with messages such as “Quiero pasar sus materias, no mi pack” (I want to pass my classes, not send my pack) and “Varios reportes y no se ha hecho nada” (Several reports have been made, but nothing has been done), highlighting their frustration with the lack of institutional response to these serious allegations.
Among the accused were faculty members named Germán “N,” Armando “N,” and Saúl “N,” whom the students openly identified during the protests. One protest included students confronting one of the accused directly. The demonstrators voiced their concerns to the local authorities, urging Silao’s mayor, Melanie Murillo Chávez, to intervene and prevent these cases from going unpunished.
The Universidad de Guanajuato quickly acknowledged the protests, stating through its Communication Directorate, “Se reitera el compromiso institucional para brindar el apoyo pertinente ante cualquier hecho violatorio de derechos humanos en el entorno universitario” (The institutional commitment to provide necessary support for any violation of human rights within the university environment is reiterated). They confirmed the initiation of an investigation to address the complaints raised by the students.
Despite the university’s official stance, many students feel disillusioned by previous instances of unaddressed complaints. Earlier reports of harassment dating back to 2019 indicated a pattern of allegations against faculty members, which students believe may have been overlooked or covered up by academic authorities. This emboldens the current student movements, as they demand greater accountability and protection from sexual violence.
The protests have sparked significant conversations about the climate at Prepa UG Silao. Students argue this abusive behavior undermines the integrity of their educational experience. Demonstrators conveyed their message loud and clear: they deserve the right to education free from harassment and discrimination.
These recent events have drawn attention from local media, emphasizing the need for action. Parents and community members have also voiced their support for the protesting students, encouraging them to maintain their resolve.
With mounting pressure from both the student body and the community, educational institutions like Universidad de Guanajuato are at a crossroads. Their responses to such allegations will not only shape the immediate outcomes of these protests but will also set precedents for how they handle similar cases of harassment and violence among their staff and student bodies.
For now, as investigations are underway, students remain vigilant and united, hoping their demands for justice will lead to systemic change within their educational environment. They stand firm on their message: safety and dignity for every student should never be compromised.